Soft Sugar M&M Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Soft Sugar M&M Cookie Bars
Description
This recipe begins by melting butter and mixing it thoroughly with light brown sugar to create a moist and dense batter. Vanilla and eggs are incorporated, followed by the addition of dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and baking soda. The resulting batter is somewhat stiff, which is normal for this bar-style cookie. One cup of milk chocolate M&M’s is folded in to distribute pockets of chocolate and crunch.
The batter is pressed into a greased 9×9 metal pan lined with parchment for easy removal. More M&M’s are sprinkled on top with optional Maldon sea salt to enhance flavor contrasts. Baking at 350°F for 35-40 minutes results in bars that may seem slightly underbaked but set into a soft, tender texture as they cool. Letting the bars cool completely for at least two hours before cutting ensures proper texture.
Using a metal pan is important for even heat retention and texture development; glass or different sized pans will alter baking results. The M&M’s add colorful candy bursts and the sea salt balances sweetness. These bars are ideal for sharing or as a treat during gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 egg large
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk chocolate candy plus extra for garnish, M&M’s
- sea salt optional, Maldon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar and mix with a wooden spoon for 1 minute until combined. Add the vanilla and eggs, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients into the bowl and slowly mix until just combined. The batter will be a bit stiff, but that's normal. Fold in 1 cup of the Milk Chocolate M&M’s.
- Spray a 9x9 metal baking pan (see note above) with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining Milk Chocolate M&M’s and Maldon sea salt if desired and transfer it into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Once the bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use a 9×9 metal baking pan lined with parchment and sprayed with baking spray for best texture and ease of removal.
- Do not substitute pans smaller or larger than 9×9 as the baking time and texture will be affected.
- Adding a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt on top enhances the flavor balance by contrasting the sweetness.
- After baking, allow the bars to cool and set for at least two hours before cutting to achieve the intended soft consistency.
- For more even distribution of M&M’s throughout, add some mid-bake to keep candies from sinking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 339 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 339kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 160mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 66mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 35g | 70% |
| Vitamin A | 414IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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